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“It’s true.” Marybeth reached out to touch Emma’s arm.

“I really was touched at your offer. I know several women who didn’t come today who can’t afford to spare extra supplies.

I’ll let them know that you donated supplies if they would be willing to do the labor.

I know they’ll want to join in. I’ll even arrange with Edward to see to it that they have plenty of wood or coal for their stoves. ”

“Rosie was more excited about this than just about anything else. Of course, she’s excited about most things that involve a new challenge or way that she can help. Mrs. Olson has been so good to help her learn things in the kitchen.”

Marybeth glanced over her shoulder before turning back to Emma. “You know that Rob has lost his heart to her. He plans to ask for her hand.”

Emma had anticipated that he would but had no idea of how Colton would react. “I didn’t know, but I think it’s wonderful. He cares for her so tenderly and never loses his temper with her. I only hope he can convince her brother.”

“He already has.” Marybeth exchanged a conspiratorial look with Melody and then back to Emma.

“Rob sought him out one day and told him how he felt. Your father was there at the time. Rob said having him there gave him extra courage.” She chuckled.

“I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall.”

“Rob has already spoken to Colton?” Emma was surprised Colton gave Rosie’s hand to Rob after the way he had spoken out against the young man.

“Yes. He made it clear to Rob that Rosie has no inheritance, so if he was marrying her for money, he should know there wasn’t going to be any.

What Colton doesn’t realize is that such things mean very little to Rob.

He’s industrious and will earn whatever they need.

But from the moment he laid eyes on Rosie, he’s spoken of little else.

He lost his heart at first sight of that girl. ”

It touched Emma deeply to hear of Colton’s change of heart. He loved Rosie dearly, and his willingness to let Rob marry her was proof that he wanted only her happiness.

“Don’t say anything to Rob, but I plan for Rosie to have plenty. I’ve made up my mind that she deserves a cut of the family inheritance. Tommy got more than his share because of his aunt, and I plan for that to go to Rosie. She’ll be quite wealthy.”

“Oh my.” Marybeth’s eyes widened a bit. “Maybe don’t tell anyone else just yet.

If Colton and his brothers know that their sister is to be rich, they may be less inclined to let her go.

” She shook her head. “I know that sounded ungracious. Forgive me. I just don’t want anything to happen that will cause trouble for Rob and Rosie.

They are so perfect together, and I very much want her for a daughter-in-law. ”

“I understand. I think maybe you’re right. I’ll hold off. The Bentons plan to sell their railroad. I can go ahead and let that happen and set the money aside for Rosie. Maybe give it to them as a wedding present.”

“Yes, do that rather than give it to her now. Please. I just have a feeling it will only complicate matters for them. Better that they be wed and face it together than separately.”

Melody nodded. “I agree. Money can cause the worst of problems. Men will say and do almost anything for it.”

“You don’t think Rob would—” Marybeth started, but Melody put her hand up.

“Not Rob. The Benton brothers.”

“She’s right. I’ve told you both enough for you to know that money is the thing they love most.” Emma paused.

“At least it is with Walter and Ernest. I think perhaps that though it might have been taught to Colton that way, he’s different from his brothers.

Tommy was too. Although Tommy loved the adventure and lavish lifestyle that money could buy. ”

“It sounds like you’ve had a change of heart regarding Colton in the last few weeks.”

Emma realized she was defending the man she had accused of greed and deception.

“I suppose I have, although until just now, I hadn’t realized.

He is different, and he’s made his peace with God, so I must allow for that as well.

Still, I think it’s best to wait until Rosie and Rob are married to give her the money. Who can tell what it might stir up.”

“But I didn’t think the federal government was interested in Wyoming statehood at this point,” Colton said as he stood talking with other men in a special reserved room at one of the men’s clubs.

After hearing that Colton planned to make Cheyenne his home, Charlie Decker had invited him to join the important gathering.

Colton hardly knew any of the several dozen men but figured it would be wise to get to know them.

These were the men who would make things happen in Cheyenne, and he wanted to be among them.

“The government might not be ready for Wyoming statehood,” Charlie replied, “but the men and women of Wyoming are. Tell us no, and we just get all the more muleheaded.”

“It’s true,” Henry Hay, cattleman and banker, declared. “We’re going to be a state, and that’s all there is to say about that. Should have been one ten years ago, but we’ll settle for this year or next.”

The men nodded and gave their unanimous agreement.

“Mr. Benton, we’re glad to have you join our group.

I’m Elwood Mead, territorial engineer.” The small-built man extended his hand to Colton.

They shook hands, and he continued. “I am even now at work to write up a system by which water will be controlled in this state. I say state , for we most assuredly will become one.”

“Yes, yes!” another man affirmed.

“Colton, this is Governor Warren. He has fought long and hard to bring us to statehood.” Charlie Decker made the introduction.

“Governor Warren, I’m pleased to meet you.”

“As am I you, Mr. Benton. We always need educated men in our pursuit of statehood. I’m pleased to hear you intend to make Cheyenne your home. I believe you’re a lawyer and railroad owner, are you not?”

“I am,” Colton replied, eyeing the older man with the full, bushy mustache. This was a man who got things done. He exuded confidence and strength, two qualities Colton prized most highly.

“I am a railroad man myself, as well as the owner of a livestock company and electric company, to name a few.

Now as governor of this territory, I am seeking able-bodied, intelligent men to come alongside and fight to see this territory to statehood.

This town was once considered too rough to tame.

It was figured that the entire place would disappear off the map and be nothing more than a water stop within five years of the railroad pushing west, but we proved them wrong.

“When I arrived in this town, it was little more than a settlement of covered wagons and tents, but I was determined, as were many of these fine fellows, to see Cheyenne become something more than a camp town, and it has. We have a fine city and impressive territory. My question to you is, Will you join us in supporting the push for statehood?”

Colton appreciated the man’s straight-to-the point enthusiasm. “I would like very much to be a part of this territory achieving statehood. That’s why I came tonight. When Mr. Decker apprised me of what was happening, I found it intriguing, and I would love to hear more.”

“Governor, we’re ready for you to speak,” a younger man interrupted.

Warren smiled and gave Colton a nod. “In time you shall hear all that there is to tell.”